The discussion involved a panel of religious and cultural leaders from across the country or even other countries, who have done pioneering work on water. Our panelists include Ms. Bahar Dutt, Sant Balbar Singh Seechewal, Ms. MS Vani, Prof. Brij Gopal and Dr. Uma Maheshwari.
The panel of this unique yet important discussion comprised speakers from different backgrounds. Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the famous eco-activist of Punjab spoke about his work with his followers in Punjab on reviving rivulets after clips from a film on him were shown, and urged everyone to stop adhering to religious practices that damage the environment. Other speakers such as Ms M S Vani expressed her views on the inadequacy of modern law and the missing spiritual aspect in the constitution while Prof. Brij Gopal elaborated upon the meaning of culture, and historical significance of water in culture and civilization. Ms Uma spoke in a poetic manner reading excerpts from her recent book on Godavari, highlighting the contrast in the perception of rivers in the lives of local communities living around them and city dwellers living at a distance. The speakers also criticized the culture of bottled water and shared their concerns about religious activities causing destruction of water bodies.
From Left: Ms M S Vani (Development Cenre for Alternative Policies), Prof. Brij Gopal (retd,. JNU Professor), Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal (Nirmal Kuteya) and Dr Uma Maheshwari (Indian Institute of Advanced Study)